SENIOR figures from the world of television will be appearing at the Channel 4 DIVERSE Festival, which takes place in Bradford on Monday.

Hosted by proud Bradfordian Anita Rani, figures from the various broadcasters will be appearing at the festival, which will take place at the University of Bradford, along with rapper and writer Akala.

The festival has been brought to Bradford as the new Channel 4 headquarters opens in the Leeds City Region later this year, and it is the first time it has ever been held outside London.

The event will focus on authentic portrayal on television, with senior TV executives giving insight into authenticity in television.

Independent production companies and filmmakers will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to the channels’ commissioners, and a workshop will be held on how to get into television aimed specifically at young people from Bradford and surrounding areas.

The festival celebrates diversity and inclusion in television, shares best practice and finds collaborative solutions to diversity-related challenges in TV.

This year it focuses on the importance authentic representation has both onscreen and off-screen.

Ian Katz, director of programmes at Channel 4, said: “Our annual DIVERSE Festival provides a fantastic opportunity for the industry to come together and share experiences on delivering inclusion and diversity on and off-screen.

“We’re extremely excited to be holding the festival in Bradford this year, as we look forward to establishing our National HQ in nearby Leeds.”

Other figures appearing include Anne Mensah, Netflix’s vice-president of content, and ITV’s controller of comedy Saskia Schuster.

Ben Frow, director of programmes at Channel 5, will deliver a keynote session on the importance of authentically representing Modern Britain across all genres.

David Wilson, director of Bradford UNESCO City of Film said: “We’re delighted to be working with Channel 4 and the University of Bradford in hosting the DIVERSE Festival in Bradford.

“As a UNESCO creative city with one of the youngest and most diverse populations in the UK, we’re committed to bringing events like DIVERSE to Bradford to open up new pathways and opportunities for TV and film production in the region.”

Professor Shirley Congdon, deputy vice chancellor of the University of Bradford, added: “This is the first time Channel 4 has held this event outside of London and we are honoured they have chosen to hold it here in Bradford at the University.

“The university is committed in its pursuit of academic excellence to equality of opportunity and to a proactive and inclusive approach to equality, which supports and encourages all under-represented groups, promotes an inclusive culture, and values diversity.

“Our strapline ‘Confronting Inequality: Celebrating Diversity’ reflects this commitment to ensure that equality and diversity are at the heart of all aspects of university activities involving our diverse student and staff body.”